When renting a vehicle with children, one of the most important considerations is ensuring their safety. Parents and guardians must comply with child seat laws and secure their little ones properly during travel.
Hertz, one of the world’s leading car rental companies, recognizes this responsibility and offers car seat rental options and a clear child safety policy to help families travel safely and comfortably.
In this detailed guide, we will explain Hertz’s car seat and child safety policy in simple terms, covering the types of seats available, costs, installation procedures, age and weight regulations, and best practices for ensuring your child’s safety throughout the rental period.
Understanding Hertz’s Approach to Child Safety
Hertz’s child safety policy is built around two primary goals: compliance with local laws and customer convenience. The company ensures that its rental cars can accommodate child safety seats and offers child restraint systems that meet or exceed safety regulations in the region where you’re renting the vehicle.
These policies vary slightly by country, but the overall commitment remains the same—safety and comfort for children traveling in Hertz vehicles.
Hertz understands that families travel frequently for vacations, relocations, or emergencies, and bringing a personal car seat can be inconvenient or even impossible.
For this reason, Hertz provides high-quality, pre-approved child restraint systems that can be rented along with the vehicle, ensuring that parents have safe, legal, and reliable options available when picking up their car.
Types of Child Car Seats Offered by Hertz
Hertz typically provides three main types of car seats, designed to suit different age, weight, and height groups. The availability may depend on location, but the general categories include:
- 1. Infant Seats: Designed for newborns and babies up to about one year old or weighing up to 22 pounds (10 kg). These are rear-facing seats that provide optimal neck and head support for infants. Hertz’s infant seats are equipped with adjustable harnesses and padded interiors to ensure both comfort and safety.
- 2. Child Seats (Convertible or Forward-Facing Seats): Suitable for toddlers aged one to four years or weighing between 20 to 40 pounds (9 to 18 kg). These can often convert from rear-facing to forward-facing as the child grows. They include a five-point harness system for maximum security during travel.
- 3. Booster Seats: For older children between four and seven years old, or weighing from 40 to 80 pounds (18 to 36 kg). Booster seats help position the seat belt properly over the child’s shoulder and lap, ensuring a snug and safe fit without the need for a built-in harness.
Each car seat provided by Hertz is carefully cleaned, inspected, and certified according to regional safety standards. The company makes it clear that while it provides the seat, the renter is responsible for ensuring that it’s properly installed before driving away.
How to Request a Car Seat from Hertz
Reserving a car seat from Hertz is simple, but it’s best done in advance. Since the number of available child seats at each location can be limited, booking ahead ensures availability and avoids last-minute complications.
1. During Online Reservation: When booking your vehicle on the Hertz website or app, you’ll have the option to add child safety equipment under “Extras” or “Additional Options.” Simply select the type and number of car seats you need.
2. By Phone: You can also call the Hertz reservation line or your rental location directly to request a car seat in advance. This is especially useful if you have specific needs, such as requesting multiple seats or ensuring a particular model.
3. At the Counter: In some cases, you may be able to request a car seat when picking up the vehicle, but availability is not guaranteed. For families traveling during holidays or peak seasons, early reservation is always recommended.
Hertz Car Seat Rental Fees
Hertz typically charges a daily fee for car seat rentals, with a maximum cap per rental period. The exact cost varies depending on the country and the type of seat requested, but most rates are affordable compared to the cost of purchasing a new car seat for temporary use.
For example, in the United States, the typical charge ranges between $13 to $15 per day, with a maximum total limit (usually around $100 to $130 per rental). In other regions, the rate may differ slightly due to local taxes and regulations. The car seat fee will appear as a separate line item on your rental receipt or invoice.
It’s important to note that while the rental cost covers the use of the seat, the renter is responsible for returning the seat in the same condition it was received. Damage, loss, or excessive dirt could result in additional cleaning or replacement fees.
Hertz Car Seat Installation Policy
Hertz allows customers to install the car seat themselves, ensuring that the seat is fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the child’s size. Most Hertz locations provide installation manuals with the car seats, and in many airports or major branches, staff members may offer guidance or demonstrate proper installation techniques. However, for liability reasons, Hertz employees are not permitted to install the seat for you.
Here are key points to remember during installation:
- Always check that the seat is properly secured using the vehicle’s seatbelt system or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system if available.
- Ensure that the seat is tightly installed—there should be minimal movement (less than one inch) when shaken at the base.
- Make sure the harness straps are snug, with the chest clip positioned at armpit level.
- For rear-facing seats, adjust the recline angle properly to support the infant’s head and neck.
If you are unsure about installation, it’s a good idea to visit a certified car seat inspection station or contact local authorities who often provide free installation assistance. Many Hertz locations also include quick guides or QR codes on the car seat for online tutorials.
Legal Requirements for Child Safety Seats
Hertz complies with the legal requirements of each region regarding child safety in vehicles. These laws differ by country and sometimes even by state or province. For instance:
- In the United States, most states require children under the age of eight to be secured in a car seat or booster, depending on their size and weight.
- In Europe, regulations are typically based on the ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) safety standards, which classify seats by weight or height groups.
- In Canada, each province enforces its own child restraint laws, often requiring child seats up to a certain age or weight limit.
- In other international markets, Hertz ensures compliance with local laws, often providing seats approved by certified organizations within that region.
It is always the renter’s responsibility to ensure the correct type of seat is used for each child and that it meets local legal requirements. Hertz staff can provide general guidance but cannot advise on personal legal responsibilities beyond the scope of company policy.
Car Seat Condition, Hygiene, and Maintenance
Hertz takes great care to maintain the cleanliness and safety of all rental car seats. After each use, the seats are inspected for wear, damage, and cleanliness before being sanitized and stored. This process includes:
- Checking for cracks, missing parts, or expired manufacturing dates.
- Cleaning all fabric components with approved disinfectants and gentle detergents.
- Ensuring that all straps, buckles, and recline mechanisms function properly.
If you receive a seat that appears damaged or dirty, you can request a replacement immediately. Hertz maintains strict safety standards, and customers are never required to use a seat they deem unsafe or unsuitable.
Traveling Internationally with Hertz and Car Seats
For families traveling abroad, Hertz’s car seat policy can be a huge convenience. Carrying a bulky car seat across airports and international flights can be stressful. By renting directly from Hertz in your destination country, you can ensure that the seat complies with local safety regulations and fits properly in the rental vehicle.
However, it’s worth noting that car seat designs and legal standards can vary across countries. A car seat rented in one region may not legally qualify for use in another. Therefore, when renting internationally, always confirm the type of car seat available and whether it meets your expectations before finalizing your booking.
Alternative Options for Parents and Guardians
While Hertz provides convenient access to rental car seats, some parents prefer to bring their own for familiarity and control. This is perfectly acceptable, and Hertz vehicles are designed to accommodate personal car seats using standard safety anchors and seat belts. If you bring your own seat, make sure it is compliant with local laws where you’ll be driving. For example, U.S.-approved car seats may not meet European standards and vice versa.
Another option for frequent travelers is to use portable, lightweight travel car seats or foldable boosters. These options are easy to carry through airports and can be installed quickly in any rental car. Hertz does not restrict the use of approved, user-provided seats.
Hertz and Child Safety Education
Beyond providing physical car seats, Hertz emphasizes the importance of education and awareness around child passenger safety. Many parents underestimate the dangers of improperly installed car seats. According to safety organizations, a significant percentage of child restraints are incorrectly fitted. Hertz aims to reduce that risk by encouraging renters to double-check seat installation before leaving the lot.
Some larger Hertz locations, particularly in major airports, partner with safety organizations to provide installation guides or visual aids that show parents how to secure their car seats correctly. By taking a few extra minutes at pickup, renters can greatly improve their children’s safety during travel.
Common Questions About Hertz Car Seat Policy
1. Can I request a specific brand of car seat?
Typically, Hertz provides high-quality seats from reputable brands, but specific models or brands cannot be guaranteed. The seat provided will meet all required safety standards.
2. Can I rent multiple car seats?
Yes. You can request as many seats as necessary, subject to availability. It’s best to reserve in advance to ensure all your needs are met.
3. What if my child grows during a long trip?
If your rental extends over several weeks and your child outgrows their seat, contact Hertz to exchange it for a suitable one. Availability may vary by location, but most branches will accommodate this request.
4. What happens if the car seat is damaged during the rental?
You may be charged for repair or replacement costs if the damage exceeds normal wear and tear. This cost is typically outlined in the rental agreement.
5. Are car seats available for one-way rentals?
Yes, but one-way rentals involving car seats may have limited availability depending on the drop-off location. Always confirm with Hertz before finalizing your booking.
Tips for Ensuring Maximum Child Safety in Hertz Rentals
- Always use the correct type of car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height.
- Inspect the car seat before installation and ensure it’s free from visible defects.
- Review the car’s seat belt locking mechanism and ensure compatibility with the car seat.
- Do a final check by pulling the seat firmly from side to side to verify it’s secure.
- Never place a rear-facing seat in the front passenger seat of a vehicle equipped with active airbags.
Additionally, take time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s safety features before driving, such as child locks, window locks, and airbag control systems. These features play an important role in overall child passenger safety.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with children requires extra preparation, and Hertz’s car seat and child safety policy is designed to make that process smoother and more secure. By offering high-quality, certified car seats for rent and ensuring compliance with regional safety laws, Hertz provides families with peace of mind on the road.
While Hertz makes it convenient to rent a child seat, parents and guardians still hold the ultimate responsibility for ensuring proper installation and usage. Taking a few extra minutes to verify that the seat is correctly fitted, the straps are snug, and the seat is positioned safely can make all the difference in protecting your child during your trip.
Whether you’re driving across town or across a country, Hertz’s child safety policy ensures that families can focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about safety. With the right preparation, clear understanding of the policy, and a commitment to following best practices, you can rest easy knowing that your most precious passengers are secure throughout every mile.
